Welcome to The Pier’s 3rd Annual, Pier Awards. These awards include five categories with five nominees per category, all voted for by YOU, the fans! Review all of the nominees below BEFORE voting. Read about each artist nominated, which includes their 2013 credentials for each nominee. Enjoy the feature and celebrate the hard work of each group in 2013, providing us with that sweet reggae music!

Voted for by YOU THE FANS, The 2013 Winners Are

Thanks to all of the Artists for participating in our 3rd Annual Pier Awards and much love to all of YOU, the FANS, for voting and enabling this site with the music we all love to enjoy. There were THOUSANDS of votes that came in and your votes have been counted, confirmed and we will start by congratulating Dirty Heads for their 1st Artist of the Year recognition, just barely edging out The Green, by 1 vote! The Green did however take home Album of the Year as they finished ahead of Slightly Stoopid & Iration. Slightly Stoopid did edge out SOJA for Music Video of the Year with their song “Don’t Stop”. SOJA barely beat out Ballyhoo! for Live Artist of the Year, while the biggest surprise, was Krooked Treez being voted in as Break-Out Artist of the Year ahead of New Kingston & Nahko & Medicine For The People.

Congrats to the winners and thank you again to everyone who voted and participated in our 2013 Pier Awards! All of us can’t wait to see and hear what 2014 has in store! Scroll below for all the winners, nominees, links and 2013 credentials for each of the nominated artists for 2013!

Artist of the Year Nominees…

The five nominees for this category hold a certain weight of influence over the scene with their art and contribution, especially in 2013. This is the most difficult category to nominate groups for, but YOU the fans told the wold these are 5 nominees. Now it’s time for you to choose 1 artist as your Artist of the year…AND THE NOMINEES ARE…

Rebelution 2013 RecapRebelution had another spectacular year playing 70+ dates including a trip to Europe. While on the road, they shared the stage with Matisyahu, Collie Buddz, J Boog, Inner Circle & sold out the Red Rocks for Reggae on the Rocks in Morrison, Colorado back in August. They performed various festivals including 2 sets at Wakarusa, a headliner at the 2013 California Roots Music & Arts Festival, and a trip to the United Kingdom for a spot at the infamous Glastonbury Festival. Even with all of that, Rebelution has managed to find time inside Circle House Studios working on their next album, rumored to be out in 2014. They were also featured on the Dub Rockers Compilation with a remix of their song “So High” featuring I-Wayne… Rebelution Website

The Dirty Heads 2013 RecapDirty Heads continued their momentum playing 100+ shows in 2013 including international dates in Europe, Canada & Brazil, while also playing major music festivals, including the California Roots Music & Arts Festival in May. When they’re not on the road, the group is writing & over the summer they recorded an all acoustic album that includes 11 total tracks. The album was released on Oct 29th via Five Seven Music. Vocalists Duddy B & Dirty J were also featured on Big B’s latest album with the song “Hangovers With You”. They shared a summer tour with The Exendables & Big B and during their spring tour, filmed a live session of the song “Cabin By The Sea” for The Pier’s Live Acoustic Series… Dirty Heads Website

311 2013 Recap311, winners of The Pier’s Life Time Achievement Award last year, is nominated this year for Artist of the Year. 311 continues to create memories with their powerful live performances. In 2013, 311 played just 30 shows, mixing it up by playing 85 different songs throughout the year. Among those shows, 3 were on the bands own cruising-floating festival, a weekend that features 16 bands 4 DJs & 3 comedians. 311 continues to spread positive vibes and unity across genres, this year the band performed alongside Cypress Hill, G. Love & Special Sauce, Sublime w/ Rome, Pennywise, DJ Unite, etc. Working around their time on the road, 311 has been in production on their new record slated to drop March 11th, 2014 on 311 day. In 2014 fans look forward to their 311 Day performances, a headlining spot at the 5th annual California Roots festival, as well as another anticipated Summer Unity Tour…311 Website

The Green 2013 RecapThe Green played 80 shows in 2013. They released their third album “Hawai‘i ’13” in August on Easy Star Records. “Hawai‘i ’13” debuted at #1 on the Billboard Reggae Chart and #77 on the Top 200 Chart. Some highlights of the year include making their New Zealand debut at Raggamuffin Festival, performances at California Roots Fest, Wakarusa, Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, and supporting Damian Marley and Stephen Marley on some west coast dates. The Green recently completed a 28-date headlining U.S. tour in support of “Hawai‘i ’13,” with sold out shows in Seattle, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, and Honolulu. The sextet will close out the year with two nights in San Diego, two nights in Las Vegas, and New Year’s Eve in Honolulu, HI… The Green Website

Tribal Seeds 2013 RecapTribal Seeds has been relentless and we only feel like the best is yet to come. In 2013, the group played more than 120 shows, sharing the stage with the likes of Slightly Stoopid, Atmosphere, Stick Figure, Fortunate Youth among others. If thats not enough, they bolstered their line up adding E.N Young on Keys & Gonzo on Guitar as of their Summer tour with Slightly Stoopid & Atmosphere. Meanwhile, the group has also been spending time in the studio for a 2014 release. A very productive 2013 year for Tribal Seeds and 2014 will soon include a new album… Tribal Seeds Website

Album of the Year Nominees…

Sure, some albums have really good songs that stay with you for awhile and may even end up on some long term play-lists. However, a few good songs on an album is not what this nomination is all about. This is about a great, start-to-finish album, from production to creativity, originality to its likability. As a result, there are five nominees you all recognized, earning their place in the Top 5 to voted… AND THE NOMINEES ARE…..

The Green – Hawai’i 13They released their third album “Hawai‘i ’13” in August on Easy Star Records. “Hawai‘i ’13” debuted at #1 on the Billboard Reggae Chart and #77 on the Top 200 Chart. Some highlights of the year include making their New Zealand debut at Raggamuffin Festival, performances at California Roots Fest, Wakarusa, Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, and supporting Damian Marley and Stephen Marley on some west coast dates. The Green recently completed a 28-date headlining U.S. tour in support of “Hawai‘i ’13,” with sold out shows in Seattle, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, and Honolulu. The sextet will close out the year with two nights in San Diego, two nights in Las Vegas, and New Year’s Eve in Honolulu, HI…The Green Website

Slightly Stoopid – Live At Roberto’s TRI Studios This was a direct to fan release. It was recorded at Bob Weir’s (Grateful Dead, Furthur) Studios & hosted by Tommy Chong & includes special guests, Karl Denson, Ivan & Ian Neville, Don Carlos & Bob Weir. The result is a 31 song, 2hour / 2 set performance with a mix of acoustic and electric jams in a DVD / 2CD set. All proceeds from the release went to benefit 2 charitable organizations whom the band supports: Save The Children and World Food Programme…Slightly Stoopid Website

Iration – AutomaticThree years since their last album, Iration was long overdue & on July 2, the band dropped their third LP , Automatic. The album also includes a collaboration with Cage the Elephant’s guitarist Lincoln Parish who brought even more talent to the floor and can be heard on several of the tracks. The title track ‘Automatic’ is a tribute to the fans. We owe them everything.”.. Iration Website

Ballyhoo! – Pineapple GrenadeWith over 15 years in the making, Ballyhoo! has made a name for themselves nationwide and have dominated the east coast reggae/rock scene. Pineapple Grenade marks the bands 5th studio album that debuted #5 at iTunes Alternative, #189 at Billboard Top 200, #4 at Billboard Heat Seekers & featured production by Rome Ramirez of Sublime with Rome. Released on June 25th via the groups own Right Coast Records, the album features a mix of punk, alternative, reggae pop sounds, showcasing the bands up-beat & fun sound… Ballyhoo! Website

Passafire – VinesPassafire’s 13 track album Vines was released in both physical & digital format on Tuesday, November 11th courtesy of Easy Star Records. This marks the groups fifth album release & their first under Easy Star records. Mixed once again by infamous producer Paul Leary, the band delivers new music that includes metal, folk, reggae, and synthesizers… Passafire Website

Live Artist of the Year Nominees…

There’s a lot that goes into making a live show successful and to do it consistently enough to where you’re recognized for your live performance at the end of the year is a credit to what you’re doing when performing live. It has to be more than just playing locally, but getting on the road, doing it each night through each season, whether the crowd is packed or empty. We as fans appreciate what goes into the live sound and these 5 nominated artists left enough of an impression in 2013 to be recognized for their live performances…. Any artist can stay at home and record music to throw up on iTunes with incredible internet promotion, while playing sparingly at local venues…AND THE NOMINEES ARE…

SOJA 2013 RecapSOJA, who was voted 2011 & 2013 Pier Artist of the Year, once again prove their continued demand around the globe with another nomination once this year. All in all SOJA played 101 shows, including spots at 14 festivals all spread through out 17 countries, sharing the stage with Rootz Underground, Los Rakas, Air Dubai, Nahko & Medicine for the People, John Brown’s Body, The Movement, Aer, Common Kings, Incubus, Dave Matthews Band. While spending time on the road SOJA continues to write for their anticipated 2014 record release as well as producing a handful of remix collaborations with JBoog, Collie Buddz, Richie Campbell and Anuhea. SOJA will end their year on the road, headlining two nights at Baltimores Ram’s Head Live with RDGLDGRN and Ballyhoo! SOJA has not released a run of dates in the New Year, but many Reggae-Rcok Fans are excited for their headling performance at the 5th annual California Roots Festival in May… SOJA Website

Ballyhoo! 2013 Recap With over 15 years in the making, Ballyhoo! has made a name for themselves nationwide and have dominated the east coast reggae/rock scene. 2013 saw the group play 162 total dates including the 311 Cruise, 12 shows for various radio stations, as well as a 40+ concert tour spanning 2 countries and 27 states, where they co-headline with Authority Zero. Ballyhoo! wrapped up the year on their Brewhaha tour with Passafire & performed at the 2013 Cali-Roots Festival… Ballyhoo! Website

Stick Figure 2013 RecapIn 2013, Stick Figure continues their climb to the top continuing to support their 2012 release of Burial Ground. Just over a year after the group decided to spread their sound on their first national tour, Stick Figure played a total of 86 live shows. The band played Co-headline tours with John Brown’s Body and Passafire, supported Tribal Seeds on two tours, supported Lee Scratch Perry and started doing headline dates in key markets. The group also played the infamous California Roots Festival set as well as RedFest, Lake Tahoe Reggae Fest and the Levitate Music & Arts Festival… Stick Figure Website

The Movement 2013 RecapThe Movement played about 200 shows in 2013. They toured with The Green, The Expanders, Natural Vibrations, and Fear Nuttin Band. In August they released their fourth studio album “Side By Side.” Some highlights of the year include closing out the Battleship Stage at California Roots: The Carolina Sessions, and the huge energy and excitement surrounding Southeastern shows with SOJA. The band acquired new management in the fall with Rootfire… The Movement Website

J Boog 2013 RecapJ Boog performed in 60+ tours across the US including a stop in Canada. A long the way, J Boog has shared the stage with The Green, Rebelution & even managed to throw in some collaboration tracks connecting with SOJA on a remix of SOJA’s track “Mentality”, called “F*** Your System”. He was also featured on Inner Circle’s “Hawaii Sings”, a tribute to the late Jacob Miller. J Boog is a man of many influences. The singer of Samoan descent was born in Long Beach and raised in Compton, California. Growing up in the rough streets of Compton, the strong sense of tradition and culture that J Boog absorbed from his family was instrumental in his path to stay off the streets and begin a successful music career…J Boog Website

Break-Out Artist of the Year Nominees…

Each year, there are bands that seem to be carrying a weight of momentum that can’t be ignored. Maybe due to a new album or they’re showing up on constant festivals and being added to various seasonal tours. Sometimes these are artists that are either emerging as a ‘new unknown from out of nowhere’ or a re-emerging artist, making new waves from networking. Maybe these groups weren’t nominated for Album of the Year, or they didn’t have enough of an impact to be Artist of the Year, but the following groups certainly had a Break-Out year, setting the tone for years to come with their presence. The Top 5 Voted Artists figured it out and have worked their tail off earning them a spot as a Breakout Artist in 2013…. AND THE NOMINEES ARE…

Nahko & Medicine For The People 2013 RecapNahko and Medicine for the People, had a break-out year with the and the release of a new record and massive touring schedule, spreading their spiritual music to new fans all over the world. Starting the year in Bali and Australia on the 2013 Medicine Tour, the band then released their second album, Dark As Night, debuting at #4 on the Billboard Top Alternative New Artist chart and #6 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. The group went on to support the record playing a varaiety of shows, performing at Floyd Fest and All Good festivals in July then picking up with SOJA for a tour around the US with a stop at the 1st Caliroots Carolina Sessions. Gaining 10,00 likes between September and November this group continues build momentum in 2014. Nahko is joining Michael Franti, and Trevor Hall, for the Soulshine Festival Bali at the end of the year and is scheduled to play the Envision Festival in Costa Rica this February, the 5th annual Cali roots Fest in Monterey Californoia during the end of May, as well as a second tour through Australia in September-October on a triple bill with Xavier Rudd and Donavon Frankenreiter… Nahko’s Website

New Kingston 2013 RecapThe year started out great for New Kingston who sold out their first show ever in Boston at the Middle East on January 27th. On February 5th, they released their 2nd album, Kingston University, featuring J Boog. New Kingston headlined their first national solo tour, playing select dates with SOJA, Easy Star All-Stars, John Brown’s Body and more. The group supported Collie Buddz & Cris Cab via the Light It Up tour & followed Collie Buddz to Europe over the summer. They supported Rebelution, Matisyahu & Zion I on the Good Vibes Summer tour as well as The Green on the West Coast Liars & Lovers Tour in Feb-March. They’ll be ending the year in Hawaii with Pepper & the Dirty Heads… New Kingston Website

Krooked Treez 2013 RecapKrooked Treez dropped their album Higher Place in July, 2013 and in one short year, sold out three live shows at the House of Blues and SenDog of Cypress Hill joined them on stage at The Roxy. They performed with 311 and Rebelution on the 311 Cruise from Miami to the Bahamas, performed the famed Kubana Festival in the Black Sea’s of Russia with System of Down and WuTang, headlined the U.S. Grand Prix Kick-Off to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix and are taking to Main Stage for the 2014 California Roots Music and Arts Festival. These guys are hungry, talented and work harder than most bands that have been out for 5+ years. Not to mention, the deliver a sick live concert. This is the band, that has grabbed the attention of some of the biggest name acts in the genre… Krooked Treez Website

Kimie 2013 RecapKimie’ is a singer/songwriter from Hawaii. Kimie’s signature style weaves acoustic soul and reggae with a touch of R&B funk, into cool sultry melodies. Her free spirit can be heard through her lyrics touching on love, life, and relationships. She played 30+ dates in 2013 & just about all of them were spent on a fall tour with The Green. In March, she released a new 7 track EP titled, “To The Sea”… Kimie Website

Thrive 2013 RecapThrive started out the year strong playing two shows with dancehall star Anthony B, dates with Natural Vibrations, and closing out the winter with a powerful show at the El Rey Theatre with The Green and New Kingston. May was a pivotal month for Thrive, releasing their sophomore album Relentless that hit number three on the iTunes Reggae Charts and number six on the Billboard Reggae Charts. The album, which featured a track with Rebelution’s Eric Rachmany, was also awarded Billboard’s Hot Shot Debut. Thrive kicked off the summer with a commanding performance at the California Roots Festival, then headlining summer and fall tours through California, Arizona, Utah, and Nevada. After almost 75 shows, regionally playing select supportive sets with bands like Stick Figure, Rebelution, The Green, and J Boog, Thrive plans to end the year out strong. On Dec. 28, Thrive will headline San Diego for the second time at the 710 Beach Club, and on Dec. 30 will be direct support for Rebelution at The Ventura Theatre…Thrive Website

Music Video of the Year Nominees…

For those of you who don’t know, music videos have not gone away. They may appear to be less relevant without the vintage outlet of MTV or VH1, but they’re still being done and they’re being done well! Some bands have put in crazy production into their videos, some using actors/actresses and it’s a cherry on top to a professional sound, to include a professional music video. We feel that if you’re a group and you decide to do a full production music video, then it should be recognized. Plus, music videos are rad when quality production is used to compliment a new song. There are five solid music videos nominated for Music Video of the Year, and we hope you watch each one before just simply voting for the band you’re most familiar with… AND THE NOMINEES ARE…

SOJA – “When We Were Younger”
Here is the latest music video from SOJA with their song “When We Were Younger” off their latest album Strength To Survive. The video shows footage of the group from when they were younger. The video is a dedication to singer/guitarist Jacob Hemphill’s father, William Hemphill. In his dedication to his Dad, Jacob shares “Rest in Peace, Dad. I love you forever and will always remember every word you told me, sacrifice you made for me, and song we wrote. I bear your signature in everything i do.” Enjoy the video…

Slightly Stoopid – “Don’t Stop”
Directed by Kyle and Jeff Pliskin of Raised Fist Propaganda, here is the official music video to Slightly Stoopid’s single “Don’t Stop” off of their latest Top of the World album release. They premiered the video on AOL’s Spinner and now it’s available for all to enjoy & share! The video shows the band in their hometown of Ocean Beach, CA among family & friends. It’s a tribute to their hometown. Enjoy the video…

Pepper – “FKARND”
Directed by Josh Hegard, here is the official music video to Pepper’s new single “FKARND (All Night)”. The song is off their new self-titled album, that dropped on Sept 3rd via Island Def Jam Records.
When we asked drummer Yesod Williams about the new video, he explained: “It’s really just straight fun, fucking around in all types of super classy/sexy ways! The original concept came from the director and we just let him run with it. We really loved his simple amazingly wet vision for the visual of the single. And not to mention his amazing crew who put so much passion into the project”. Enjoy the video…

Ballyhoo! – “No Good”
Here is the official music video to Ballyhoo!’s latest & second single “No Good” off their latest album Pineapple Grenade. The track was produced by Rome Ramirez of Sublime with Rome and was mixed by producer Paul Leary. The video was directed by Wes Wuz Good Armstrong & stars actress Mindy Robinson. Vocalist/guitarist Howi Spangler said “When i heard ‘No Good’ was going to be shot in black & white, I got excited because it’s perfect for the song. Wuz Good, the director, gave it such a gritty, sexy look and I think it turned out great. The actors did an awesome job.”

Anuhea & Tarrus Riley – “Only Man In The World”
From the Dub Rockers Compilation that released on August 27th, is the official music video for the song “Only Man In The World”, collaborated by Anuhea and Tarrus Riley. Dub Rockers Volume 1, is a 10 track collaboration compilation pairing some of reggae’s most well known artists from the US, Europe & Jamaica. It was released under VP Records in their own collaboration with Vans. Enjoy the video…